Most of the food was good but the retired beans were like brown water. The waitress brought more but they weren't much better. Service was a little slow for the restaurant only being 1/3 full. read more

The Sampler One hard shell taco. At first was disappointed to see the hard shell. I decided to get that out of the way first. Boy was I surprised. The meat quality seemed too good to be true. Juicy shredded beef in a generous quantity. I added rice, beans and....wait. These are not regular beans. These have hatch green chillis and cheese mixed in. Wow. The chilled were the signature flare on this dish. A perfect first meal in the Arizona/new Mexico area stamped with the famous chilis presence. Immediately after the taco I dove into the rice and beans. Wow. The mixture was beautiful. The chili made itself known in every bite. I snapped myself out of my craze and redirected my attention to the chimichangas. Two miniature chimichangas. What's inside? A nice, shredded chicken with a red tint, but not spicy taste. 8.6/10 read more

Food is good and service improved greatly. Great margaritas and nice atmosphere, recommended

The family and I went to El Molinito on a busy Friday night and we were immediately greeted upon arrival. The hostess asked us if we would like a table or booth (who doesn't like choice) and escorted us to our choice. Our waitress came over shortly thereafter and brought us chips and salsa. Once again we were given a choice- mild or hot salsa and she was kind enough to bring us both. We scanned the menu and decided on cheese enchiladas, bean mini chimis, and a bean tostada. Our waitress frequently checked in on us and refilled our drinks. Our food arrived promptly, was the right temperature, and tasted great. The price for our meal was under $30 and we were able to feed two adults and a child. The value for the price is great and the service was outstanding. read more

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Food was delicious. Service was a little slow BUT we were an unexpected group of 12. Our server did her best once the staff made a section available for us. This is a great spot for a large group and very private. I will come back again and try out the bar next time. read more

I have always gone to the 22nd street location and have been very happy with the restaurant. My mother decided for mothers day that she wanted Mexican food for dinner and what mother wants mother gets. We arrived on Saturday evening around 630. There was a decent sized crowd but we were seated quickly. Our seating was in the enclosed patio which was nice, it was cooler in there than the rest of the restaurant plus we were the only ones seated there which aloud for normal conversation. We ordered the green chili cheese crisp to start which was out in less than 10 minutes. Perfectly crisp and loaded with cheese and chili's. The main course was out within 15 minutes of placing the order. All plates were hot and loaded. Mother had the combo plate, tamale, taco and enchilada with what we thought were standard beans. The beans were very good, creamy and almost tasted of a hint of bacon fat. Absolutely delicious. I had the chili rellenos. Two long fat chilis, stuffed with cheese perfectly breaded and lightly fried. I also had a taco, delicious ground beef. No mexican meal is complete withoit a bowl of albondigas. The flavor of the soup was stunning, a light heartly broth with delectable meatballs. My son had the shredded beef chimi which he said was very flavorful. It was stuffed with so much shredded beef that he tapped out and got a to go box. All in all a very solid restaurant and even though we were on the patio by ourselves the waiter never missed a beat and was very attentive to us. I am glad this family decided to open shop in Oro Valley I will for sure be back again soon. read more

El Molinito - Chili rellenos! - Mexican Near Me - Oro Valley, Arizona

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First timer. I love love love the food! Service was great! I sat in the bar and received a warm and inviting welcome from all staff. Try house enchiladas, delish! Aka Enchiladas De La Casa read more

Been suffering TexMex since moving to Texas 6 years ago. Craved real Mexican food ever since. Visiting mom & dad and we stopped in at El Molinito. My wife found the #8 Combination Plate before I saw it. Carne Seca with a Chile Relleno, rice, and refried beans. Heaven! Meal came, two HUGE plates. One just about half full of Carne Seca (Yum!) with frijoles and rice. Yep, the frijoles were creamy like refried beans are supposed to be. Tasty. The Carne Seca was almost too much, but I forced it all down. Lots of flavor, not bland at all (completely different from TX fare). Now, the moment of truth. How will the Chile Relleno turn out? Golden, quiche outer with a spattering of sauce. Check. Cheese center was perfect, not ruined with stuffed meat. Check. Meals were served promptly. We got there before the lunch rush started. Another great meal at El Molinito! The problem is we don't get back to Tucson enough. read more

We were there on March 26th. Food was not great by any means. What was most revolting is the giant roach my son found in restroom. When we brought it to the hostess attention she acted like it was no big deal. Then someone else came to our table and was very nonchalant about it. He claimed they get a pest service who comes out monthly. I wasn't even halfway done with my food and was completely disgusted. Was not offered anything not even an apology. Attached are the remnants after my son stepped on it read more

El Molinito - Remnants of roach after my son stepped on it. - Mexican Near Me - Oro Valley, Arizona

They have amazing margaritas and the service is always exceptional. The food is always out quick and the staff are very observant to the customers. I highly recommend. read more

El Molinito - Margaritas chips and salsa - Mexican Near Me - Oro Valley, Arizona

We ventured out to see what restaurants offered dine in with this COVID stuff.... Thank Goodness we tried El Molinito!!! Maria J, our waitress, decked out with a mask and gloves, was AWESOME! The food, VERY good! Better than competitors!!! read more

If you're desiring outstanding Mexican/American meals with the best home-made chips and salsas at reasonable prices with attentive friendly service, conveniently located off Oracle with plenty of parking, then you found it!!! Adrian excelled as our server and the chefs created the best enchiladas and beans. Thank you, El Molinito!! read more

Such great service thanks Javier! Mary was a delight and Alexis so accommodating. Everyone enjoyed their meal and a nice atmosphere.

As the Delta variant here in Az continues to rise I have had to stop going to this restaurant. The Oro Valley location, it's over crowded, no social distancing. No outdoor seating being used. The place otherwise is decent, but I won't bring my family back until after the pandemic or until more customers mask up or get vaccinated. So bye for the foreseeable future! read more

Just moved here from NY in October. My family has tried about 4 other Mexican restaurants in the area. This place was a great family environment, great staff and AMAZING FOOD!!! Tequila sunrise was fantastic and enchiladas were the best I've had in Arizona. Prices were the best around!!! Will definitely be coming back. read more

Ok. So here's the thing. We're visiting from Ohio and there's no shortage of Mexican restaurants in Tucson. I'll admit after reading the reviews i was less than excited when Dad suggested this one. But.. nope no need to worry. We were greeted quickly by a very friendly hostess and barely sat down when a gentleman dropped off fresh warm chips with salsa. I consider myself a bit of a Mexican food connoisseur so i quickly decided on the fajitas. In true Mexican style the portion sizes were huge! Our food was served SIZZLING hot. I thought the flavor was spot on. All 4 in my party enjoyed our food. No issues with drink refills or getting boxes to go. Why not 5 stars then lisa?? The only negative I'd say is the Guac ... personal taste could be chunkier... but it'd eat it again and I'd definitely recommend this restaurant!! read more

El Molinito - Combo steak/ chicken Fajitas - Mexican Near Me - Oro Valley, Arizona

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The food was very tasty with a lot of flavor, and our waiter was funny and attentive. The only down side was the men's room which needed to be cleaned desperately. read more

As you can see in the picture below there is a chicken bone, at least 2 inches long and extremely sharp. This was in my first bite of the chicken burrito. We ordered our food to go unfortunately. I called to tell them and was told that's normal. They don't debone the chicken and basically oh well. Never offered to do anything about it or even apologize. Very disgusted and disappointed. read more

El Molinito - Chicken Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Oro Valley, Arizona

Done. Won't come back. Just walked into this location right now, was seated, and walked out. I've never entered into a restaurant only to be greeted with such apathetic disregard. With the host, management, and the wait staff standing at the host register desk as we entered, for us only to be noticed and ignored. When there wasn't more than two other dinners in the restaurant. When one of the wait staff actually decided to acknowledge our presence, rudely asked how many without another single act of professionalism or hospitality. When I replied two please, and he walked us over to our seat and dropped the men's on the table and walked off. I immediately called it done. If this location doesn't want business, I'll gladly assist them in that. From this moment forward I will advise all those within personal, professional, and political spheres of association to avoid this location at all cost. read more

We have been here before and it was great. Tonight was a different story. We had a party of 9 and the service was terrible. But the worst part was seeing several live roaches and a couple already dead. Stay away from this restaurant, they have a serious infestation! read more

El Molinito - Mexican Near Me - Oro Valley, Arizona

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Yes, there are tons of Mexican restaurants to choose from in the Tucson area, but make sure this is one of your selections. Their dinners are good, the house margaritas are tasty and they have a happy hour. The prices are very reasonable compared to other Mexican restaurants. This place does not disappoint. Give it a try! read more

The restaurant looks fine but the food was without an essence of salt the chicken for the chicken tacos was bland and dry. The food also took over an hour to get to the table and while we were waiting for the food there was a waitstaff in front of us eating food. Honestly insulting and terrible considering that the Mexican food in tuscon is generally at a better standard. read more

We love the one on Ina! So when we saw this location we thought we'd give it a try. We were seated and waited forever for our drink order, then waited forever for our drinks. We ordered Blue Moons then got Dos Equis... which was fine so we asked for lime lol when we asked for another drink we got Blue Moons I got mini chimichangas and they were frozen in the middle. When they brought them back they were burnt from being re-fried. I don't understand why everything took so long we were there forever it felt like we were forgotten about and it cost over $60! We've never spent that much even when we had an extra person drinking and eating with us. Would not recommend this location, we will continue to go to the location on Ina. read more

El Molinito - Tamales, mini chimichanga, taco. - Mexican Near Me - Oro Valley, Arizona

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It just opened! Gary (part of my Dining Trio) and I are El Molinito (Ina Road location) fans. We have driven by this new restaurant location, eagerly watching for its opening for months. And suddenly, we spotted MANY cars parked in front tonight after work, and decided to check it out. Sure enough--it opened yesterday! We found a full house upon entering--without any advertised announcements! Amazing! Obviously, Oro Valley has hungrily been awaiting this opening. And they did not disappoint! Everyone was very friendly, without a rushed feel, despite this being a packed new restaurant. The ambiance is light and pleasant, with plenty of booths, plus they also have tables in an additional back room with a wall that can open to the outside or I suppose could be used for private groups. Being so busy, we ate in the bar area, which we found as pleasant as the front dining area. We noticed they have a TAKE OUT window as you enter, so you can whisk in and out (probably can call ahead and pick up your order). We know El Molinito's menu so we ordered our much-liked dishes to test them out here: Chicken Topopo salad and Chicken Enchiladas. It took a little longer than the other restaurant to bring our meals, but understandable. We enjoyed the chips and salsa meanwhile. The food was terrific and filling. Jorge, a server imported from the other restaurant, did a super job and made us feel very VIP. The menu pricing is SLIGHTLY higher than the Ina Rd. restaurant, but even so, the food and quality here are a great value. Oro Valley needed a restaurant like this -- indoor and outdoor dining, a place for families, friends, or just to order that special beverage and hang out. Good luck to you, El Molinito Oro Valley! We welcome you to our city and wish you great success! Felicidades! read more

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El Molinito. I almost didn't come because of the negative comments here on Yelp. But after actually eating here the help was very friendly and attentive. Drinks and appetizers came quickly and the food was great with the homemade tamales being the star. Was it highly elevated gourmet Mexican? No. But was it nice friendly help large portions and great food? Definitely yes. read more

Horrible service. Wrong order 3 times and all the manager said was sorry. Three drives back to the redo for a simple order. Don't waste your money or time for this restaurant. I usually don't write reviews but the service and food quality was so bad I want others to know. read more

This food is pathetic- Waiting over an hour for kids bean and cheese burritos....not even worth it. Sad portions for the children's meal. The cheese crisp, absolutely not crispy. More like soggy and piled and greasy. Awful. Don't eat here. Sincerely, Tucson local, and oro valley native since 1993 read more

This is the latest spawning of the Molinito chain and after it irons out its just opened bugs and jitters I think it will be one of their better locations. Its standard Tucson family Mexican food place fare, no glitz no glamour just solid tasty offerings of many local style favorites. The decor was not changed at all from the building last incarnation "The Loop" So this is one factor in me not giving it higher marks. The place just has an unfinished feel about it as if" we will wait and see before we make it home". I will re-evaluate my review after this place takes root and finds its way. Till then I think is worth a visit if you are in the area. read more

El Molinito - Mexican Near Me - Oro Valley, Arizona

Over 10 min wait before being acknowledged and seated. Waitied another 20-30 min for drinks. Waited another 1.5 hours for food to be served. We got up to pay for our drinks and we were assured our order was JUST started but would be out soon. Dian my the order comes out- cold, bland, and completely wrong. I will never return to this location. In addition the restrooms are filthy. Never again. read more

If I could give 0 stars I woul. I ordered a pick up delivery from the Oro Valley restaurant and they got my order wrong 3 times. I was very specific on stating I wanted ground beef enchiladas when I called it in. Not only did they give me the wrong order I paid extra for an extra taco which they charged me for and didn't give me. I even tipped my Oder. Three trips with even a complaint to the Manet and all I received was a sorry withou any regard. The food was bland and cold by the time I finall returned home for the 3rd time. This was the worst experience ever I have had at a restaurant. Do not waste your money or your time at this restaurant in Oro Valle. Make the drive somewhere else and save yourself the trouble and for better quality of food. I will not go here again. read more

1st visit. Opened last Monday. Drinks and chips were prompt. It took a while to get a server, but once a server came to the table things smoothed out. Food good. Good prices. I hope they get the service issues straightened out. It could be a welcome addition to the OV restaurant scene. read more

El Molinito - Chicken Fajitas! - Mexican Near Me - Oro Valley, Arizona

Every time when we visit Tucson we go to El Molinito, we have even catered food for parties from the original El Molinito. This time we tried the new place on Oracle. Our family and friends, party of 13 looked forward to this dinner the entire day. Unfortunately both food and service were a major disappointment. My husband order was all wrong, he wanted shredded beef chimichanga with red sauce on top and he got the steak chimichanga with no sauce. My steak chimichanga was all runny and hardly any meat inside. The chips were cold, it took forever to get more chips and salsa. Salsa very runny.... Someone ordered one more beer that was delivered at the end of the meal. Not going to this place again. read more

Poor service and mediocre food- that's 2 stars. Yes this is a short review but economy of language is justified here. Place was also loud with party in back. But it was Cinco de Mayo. read more

I have to say this is a family favorite so I'm a little jaded. We've been coming here for so long that waiters know us by name. With that said this is delicious food. Do you like R/C cola? Well, don't ask for Coke because they only have R/C which I actually enjoy. When they cater a party I will go out of my way to be at said party, idc if it's a baby shower. Delicious. And I've never had something from there I wasn't happy to devour. I preferred the original location so the Oro Valley location is meh to me, maybe it's a cool thing, idk. Would recommend and sincerely enjoy. read more

Disappointing combination plate. Service ok (light on staff like so many restaurants) - food not good. It is a shame because Tucson is known for its' excellent Mexican cuisine. Avoid this place. read more

I ordered the molinito thinking it was their specialty cause of their name... I was mistaken. The steak was overcooked. The chilaquiles were mush. The sauce was okay. Rice was old. The beans were actually good. Service was good. read more

El Molinito - Mexican Near Me - Oro Valley, Arizona

This was absolutely the worst service I've had in years at any restaurant. Waited at least 20 minutes before we were brought chips and then finally a drink order. Took another 15-20 minutes to get the actual drinks. Food took at least 30 minutes. We ordered another drink when our food arrived and they were brought to us about 15 minutes AFTER we finished our meal. We actually saw people get up and leave because they couldn't get service. Hardly ever saw our server. We've decided this was our last trip to El Molonitos. read more

Service sucked, food sucked. Not much to add. I've not been to this El Molinito in several years but will not be back. Ordered #7 and the menu said its a shredded chicken breast. Waiter asks me do you want it in chicken or beef? Asked for extra plate for my wife, never got it. Asked for refill on water. Never happened! Food was cold. I could go on... skip this place. No bueno! read more

service was terrible. food was worse. brought out fajitas with no tortillas, sides and silverware. finally go them and food was cold. stay away. Guadalarja Grill and Hacienda Grill are far better. worth the wait. read more

Pretty good food. I ordered the taco salad. Fresh ingredients and the meat was good! Service was decent.